Did you know according to the National Safety Council, strains and sprains are among the nation’s leading causes of worker’s compensation claims?

Strains and sprains can occur anywhere, any time:

• On the job
• In your home
• During sports activities
• Other recreational activities

What is a strain?

Strains are stretched ligaments and tendons. A strain usually occurs whenever a muscle is stretched beyond its limit.

What is a sprain?

Sprains occur when a muscle is stretched too much, and ligaments pull, sometimes tear.

Causes of strain and sprain:

• Awkward postures
• Repetition
• Excessive force
• Static posture
• Vibration
• Poorly designed tools
• Extreme temperature
• Poor work organization
• Factors that contribute to strains and sprains:
• Lifting objects that are too heavy
• Not lifting correctly or safely
• Overreaching or overextending a part of the body when picking up objects
• Not using a proper stool or ladder when lifting from above
• Slipping on wet floors, overextending muscles attempting to avoid falling

Prevention for strains and sprains:

• Fit the job to the worker, not the worker to the job
• Have a firm grip
• Have a proper footing
• Work close to your body
• Keep a straight back
• Lift with the legs
• Pivot, don’t twist
• Don’t overreach

Lifting tips:

• When lifting, ensure you are squared up to the load so when you lift there will be no twisting or turning of the body.
• When lifting from ground level, bend the knees, keeping the back straight, use your legs to lift, and keep the load close to your body.
• When lifting from waist level, keep your back straight, use your torso and arm muscles to lift, keeping the load close to your body.
• Never attempt to lift from your shoulder level or above.
• Avoid lifting anything that is too heavy for one person to lift alone. Utilize mechanical equipment such as a fork lift, overhead hoist/crane, pallet jack or the like.